Verizon has reportedly established a solid lead in US smartphone sales over the previous three months, while Windows Phone devices are nearing 10-percent market share in European markets, according to data collected by research firm <A href="http://kantarworldpanel.com/">Kantar</a>. AT&T smartphone sales between June and August last year were said to be close to Verizon, however the latter company reportedly fetched 37 percent of shipments in the same quarter this year as the former slid to 22 percent.<br />
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T-Mobile only grew by a single percent, however the gain represents the first positive move for the company after a long downward trend. Kantar references the company's "uncarrier" strategy and competitive up-front pricing as likely explanations for the reversal.<br />
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"These discounts may have been in response to similar payment programs offered by AT&T and Verizon which debuted at the end of July and August, respectively," the report notes. "With these carriers once again on a level playing field, T-Mobile's ability to continue its upward trajectory will be telling."<br />
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The research further points to "little movement" in the split between operating systems in the US, with Android holding a 55 percent share followed by iOS with 39 percent. The two platforms also dominate international markets, however the latest numbers suggest Windows Phone is slowly gaining in certain regions. Microsoft's mobile OS is said to be nearing 10 percent share in the major European markets.<br />
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"Android's growth has been spearheaded by Samsung, but the manufacturer is now seeing its share of sales across the major European economies dip year on year as a sustained comeback from Sony, Nokia and LG begins to broaden the competitive landscape," said Kantar director Dominic Sunnebo. "Windows Phone's latest wave of growth is being driven by Nokia's expansion into the low and mid range market with the Lumia 520 and 620 handsets."<br />
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